A high-end Mediterranean restaurant is planned for the south wing at the Scottsdale Fashion Square, which is undergoing a redevelopment as a luxury wing. The new Élephante restaurant is being developed by Wish You Were Here Group in cooperation with mall owner Macerich.
Spanning 12,000 square feet, this first location of Élephante outside its original locale in Santa Monica, Calif., will include what its backers describe as a lavish indoor-outdoor space, complemented by a sophisticated cocktail lounge within the restaurant.
“Drawing inspiration from its new surroundings, the space will emanate the ambience of a jungle oasis, characterized by towering cacti, lush florals, natural travertine floors and bespoke furniture,” the release on the eatery states. “While embracing an elevated take on the Santa Monica location, the Scottsdale venue will maintain the organic, breezy feel of Élephante in Los Angeles.”
Élephante is part of Macerich’s current project to extend the property’s luxury presentation into Scottsdale Fashion Square’s south wing, which is anchored by Nordstrom. The restaurant/lounge will be set in a high-profile location on one side of the newly created porte cochere with luxury valet service and other high-end amenities and design features.
“We are thrilled to bring Élephante to Scottsdale, a city that boasts a stunning landscape and a thriving culinary scene,” said Nick Mathers, Founder of Wish You Were Here Group. “With its vibrant community that appreciates elevated dining experiences, it’s a favorable market for restaurants, especially in Scottsdale Fashion Square. This year, we’re celebrating five years since Élephante opened its doors in Santa Monica, so we feel this is the perfect evolution of our brand.”
Macerich Senior Executive VP Leasing of Doug Healey said his company is “very pleased to welcome the Wish You Were Here Group and Élephante to our top-performing Scottsdale Fashion Square. Unique, upscale experiential restaurant concepts like Élephante continue to differentiate Macerich’s A-plus property in Arizona and further cement its place as one of the top luxury retail destinations in the entire country.”
A specific date for the restaurant’s opening has not been disclosed.